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Miniryu · Nov 13, 2001, 03:43 AM

Do "Music CD-R" blank CDs differ from normal CD-Rs? I just purchased a huge spindle of "Music CD-R" and to my dissappointment they won't work with with iTunes or Toast 3.8. When I replace the "Music CD-R" with a normal "CD-R" the burn goes smoothly. So why won't the new media I just bought work? Does this mean I have to throw away a whole spindle?

VRL · Nov 13, 2001, 04:56 AM

What brand?

The Sony music/audio CD-R's work fine for me (Mac OS 9.1, Yamaha drive, Toast Titanium and Jam).

To my knowledge, there is no difference between the ones labeled music and regular CD-R's. I read that the higher prices for music CD-R's are because the "music industry" gets a cut. (I find that completely believable.)

Miniryu · Nov 13, 2001, 06:21 PM

They are Memorex, 80 minutes.

They have a blue-green tint color on the back. I dunno if that has to anything with the grade or the purpose, but I thought it might be useful to know.

VRL · Nov 14, 2001, 06:00 AM

Check to make sure your burner (go to the manufacturer web site) supports 80-minute CD-R's.

The following links might also be helpful: http://www.roxio.com/en/interest/music/audiomedia.html
http://www.roxio.com/en/support/discs/disccompat.html

There's nothing (that I could find) at the Roxio site that indicates a problem with the Memorex brand.

The color of the CD-R surface doesn't matter - I've burned silver, green. No problems.

fisherKing · Nov 14, 2001, 09:58 AM

the "music cdrs", besides costing more than regular blank crds, have some information stored on them, used to set-up a consumer cd recorder for...recording.

there's no need/point in using them with your computer! they won't sound more "musical", they'll just empty your wallet faster!

marusin · Nov 14, 2001, 09:59 AM

I have heard (and I can be wrong) that Music CDRs have some sort of serial number that is on the cd. This is used by consumer music cd recorders (ie: stereo components). If you stuck a regular "data" cdr in one of these component burners, it wouldn't work. You stick a "music" cdr in one and it'll read the number and then allow you to record your cd. And yes, the music industry does get a cut from these blanks (I believe minidisc sales send some money to the poor music industry as well)..

As for burning a music cdr using iTunes, I never have tried, but was under the impression that it wouldn't be a problem? I'll look and see if I can find out any more info.. Stupid question, but did you try more than one of those blanks (and/or did you try burning a data cd using one of them)? Just wondering who to blame..

-Mike

suprz · Nov 14, 2001, 05:46 PM

i have a iomega zip 650 and i have used kodak gold 80 min cdr's and tdk 80min cdr's (both cdr's said they were for data) i use them primarily for music and they work just fine in any cd player i have used. so i wouldnt say you have to use "music" cdr's for music. the only prob's i've had recently is that i purchased tdk cdrw's that state 4x's to 10x's and they do not work with my iomega burner (my mistake)

i only use toast to burn my cdr's or cdrw's (titanium)

[ 11-14-2001: Message edited by: suprz ]

Miniryu · Nov 15, 2001, 01:39 AM

Originally posted by suprz:
<STRONG>i have a iomega zip 650 and i have used kodak gold 80 min cdr's and tdk 80min cdr's (both cdr's said they were for data) i use them primarily for music and they work just fine in any cd player i have used. so i wouldnt say you have to use "music" cdr's for music.

[ 11-14-2001: Message edited by: suprz ]</STRONG>

I think what marusin was trying to say was that to use a CD burning machine (NOT a CD-R drive on a computer) one needs to specifically use Music CD-R media. So far, this hypothesis seems to be most accurate with the results that I have had.

I have burned on multiple CDs, and I have tried to burn mp3's, a music CD, and files using both Toast and iTunes (when possible).

I guess I'm just going to have to find someone to buy these things

bluedog · Nov 15, 2001, 12:51 PM

If this serial number thing is true. Let's just add to the speculation.

The industry is wanting our money. They know they are losing money from some pirating and other money from people's ability to get music from other sources rather than 'the big guys.'

So they devise the serial scheme for music CDs, then twist the arm of the manufacturers of music PLAYERs and have a monopoly. Soon you won't be ABLE to play regular CD-Rs in your players (see some new car audio systems and wait for others). SAVE YOUR OLD SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE!!! I'm guessing that's the only way to circumvent their twisting your arm and leg and taking your money.

Its known they are putting security measures on newer released CDs that won't allow you to play them in computers, may stop copying (in some regions) and evidently are working on killing the 'open media' issue of blank CD-Rs that can be used anywhere. This is an industry CAUGHT up in CONTROLLING your own music and rights to listen to what you purchase. The next thing you know, Microsoft will buy them out and you will never OWN the right to play the music, but have to PAY for the ability to have PRIVILEDGE of listening to it ONCE. Then pay some more when you want to hear it again.

There is no compelling reason to upgrade into a system designed to take money from the average consumer. The RIAA is just like the Big Leagues, asking for more money and saying they are losing money.

Consider this... those who are in control, those who have money will always be averse to the changing of their 'fortunes.'

[ 11-15-2001: Message edited by: bluedog ]

fisherKing · Nov 15, 2001, 01:30 PM

bluedog...relax.
the music cdr scheme has been around for years now, it's a consumer thing...
home cd burners (like the phillips units), need these cds to "know" that they can record music...

sure it's dumb, but even that media has gone down in price.

meanwhile, for everyone else, regular cdrs do the trick.

music cdrs are ONLY needed by these consumer machines.